La Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican/Central American tradition that originated with the Incas.  The Spanish padres that arrived with the conquistadores commented on the Inca having no fear of death, but celebrating it, spending up to two months feasting with, talking to and talking about their dead relatives.  The Catholic church adopted a part of this, and it is now a three day celebration. 

Throughout North and South America now, many people celebrate this in a number of ways.  We were in Los Angeles on Oct 30 and went from Olvera Street to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where we saw and learned so much.

The Inca believed that people can die three deaths:  First, when the spirit leaves the body; second, when the body is put into the ground; third, when nobody remembers that you ever existed.  La Dia de Los Muertos is to prevent the Third Death.  Altars commemorating their lives and things they loved, food in case they are hungry, stories about the deceased...  and a welcome spirit about it all.  The skeleton makeup is to amuse the dead, not mock them.  It's a great festival.